That the City Solicitor determine whether the U.S. Postal Service complied with federal law and applicable guidelines regarding the closing and selling of the Union Square Post Office facility.

Information

Department:

City Council

Sponsors:

Ward Three Alderman Robert J. McWatters, City Councilor At Large William A. White Jr., Ward Two Alderman Maryann M. Heuston

Category:

Order

Purposes:

Order

Official Text

That the City Solicitor determine whether the U.S. Postal Service complied with federal law and followed applicable federal guidelines regarding the closing and selling of the Union Square Post Office facility.

Meeting History

Alderman McWatters questioned if the Post Office is in compliance with Federal Law and requested that a consultant be brought in when selling the building. Alderman Heuston requested to sign on to the item and discussed the problem with mail delivery in area code 02143 and requested an explanation of why it is happening. Alderman Niedergang agreed with Alderman McWatters. Alderman Heuston made a resolution that the Manager of the US Post Office at 237 Washington appear before the Board of Aldermen to discuss mail delivery issues (see Agenda 75, #196425). Alderman Niedergang discussed complaints he received from constituents regarding mail service and agreed with Alderman Heuston's resolution. Alderman Rossetti stated she would like to sign on to the resolution.

Letters of concern were filed by the city and although the Federal Advisory Committee (FAC) agrees with the city’s position, the USPS is not bound by the FAC’s opinion. There was a discussion regarding a possible court challenge by the city. The Solicitor’s Office was asked to report back regarding whether the USPS followed the law with respect to closing and moving the Union Square Post Office. The property is under agreement and the USPS feels justified in moving forward. Mr. Glavin express his desire that a potential buyer would be cognizant of the city’s vision.

Mr. Shapiro told the members that a public hearing should have been held by the Postal Service in 2011, but he was not able to find a notice about it in any of the local papers. Mr. O'Donnell stated that the city does not intend to file a challenge. A resident spoke about the building's importance to the city and about the lack of public participation in the process, in violation of federal law.